"Santiago is a talented player who brings additional offensive capability to our team. We are really pleased that he will be joining us for the 2013 soccer season,” said Thomas Greeley, men’s soccer coach at Cleary University.

"This is a great opportunity to join a growing program in a great soccer nation,” said Almada. “Cleary presents both academic and athletic opportunities that I need to succeed.”

Almada, a midfielder/striker, was the leading scorer for his school for the past four years. He set a school record of 20 goals in 11 games and helped his team to the WCSSA finals. He also played for teams that were finalists for the Ontario Cup and the Ontario Indoor Cup.

He has played in 354 consecutive soccer games and has scored 187 goals during his career.

Cleary University reintroduced its collegiate athletic program in 2011 when it formed teams for men’s and women’s golf and cross country. Golf and cross country competed in 2012. Men’s and women’s soccer teams are scheduled to compete in 2013. Cleary is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

Cleary University (cleary.edu) is an independent, not-for-profit, multi-campus, specialized business university, committed to the betterment of society through the success of its alumni and their employers; to operate as a role model of responsible business practice; to embrace quality management principles, innovation, and an attentive customer focus; and to aspire to a better future.

Cleary’s mission is to provide a practical, application-based education, which equips students to advance their careers.